2:30 Doncaster Tips

Has the look of a very open, competitive handicap, but I feel this one could be head and shoulders above this field for a stable that has won two runnings of this race in the last four years. It could be thrown in off today's opening mark, now sent handicapping after looking very impressive at Haydock (6f 212yds) on good ground in a Class 4 novice event back in July when beating 'Grey Jaguar' by 4 and a 1/4 lengths. If all is well after a break, then I can see him being very hard to beat on that sort of form with Billy Loughnane on board for the first time.

Tough competition in this race, but Back in Black is a solid choice. Effective at 7F on good ground, returned in 2023 with a win and was beaten after a short break, but expect to bounce back from this.

DEFENCE MINISTER still a colt looked a shade unlucky latest and may not have been best suited by Goodwood's undulations. He is a son of Too Darn Hot which should make him a suitable candidate for soft ground and not heavily campaigned so far this season he is improving with each run. Likely we are still to see the best version of this three year old representing Wathnan Racing.

Sarab Star bear genuine high 80s (and low 90s) rated horses on debut before being sent off as short as 4/1 in a Group 2 race where he didn't handle the heavy ground. He bounced back when winning on the AW last time out though and has shown enough in his short career to suggest he's on a winnable debut handicap mark of 88 here. I'm surprised he's as big as 9/1 to be honest since I'd have him nearer to 11/2 so he has to rate my best value bet of the day.

Down the field on his handicap debut at Glorious Goodwood, but he didn't get a clear run on that occasion after struggling to get in from a wide draw. Soft ground form on debut last October would suggest that 91 is workable, so is worth another chance.

Up The Pace is a progressive three year old who has raced consistently throughout the season. His splitting of Leadman and Two Tribes at Newmarket in July looks a very good bit of form. He's also handled soft ground previously, and that may be crucial here. He comes from a small yard which, I think, is the reason he's a bigger price than he possibly should be.

5lb higher than for his nursery win a year ago and had been off the track for 12 months before having a run just over a week ago, where he was in need of that run. Will come on for it and worth each-way bet for 5 places.

Former Gimcrack horse ANDESITE is yet to find his level, but this could be about it from lighter in the weights than the first try at this distance at Goodwood last time out. Has shown potential in snatches up to now, and this stable, usually decent with the sprinters, normally gets it right eventually. Don't think the softer ground is an issue, and maybe this finisher finally clicks.

This horse has fallen a long way in the handicap after a series of moderate runs. It is very well handicapped on the best of his form, and his performance last time out gives hope that he may be capable of competing in this open-looking handicap.